GIVEN how many novels Stephen King has written in his lifetime, it seems amazing that one short story, written way back in 1982, can still engender such interest .

Many of those in the Theatre Royal audience last night seemed to be fans of the cult film who seemed interested in seeing just how the screenplay would translate onto the stage. However, this production is based on the original novella rather than the celluloid version - and there is much more to this production than just another reworking of an old story.

I’m pleased to say that it actually worked very well (apart from a few initial technical difficulties), with the main themes and scenes retained or adapted for the two-hour performance. Together with a strong but minimal set, the lighting and costumes were perfect.

Stephen King's original novella "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" is the story of life in Maine State Penitentiary - otherwise known as ‘The Shank’ - and begins with the arrival of inmate Andy Dufresne (Ian Kelsey) who was sentenced to life in the 1940s for murdering his wife and her lover.

The story is partially narrated by fellow inmate "Red" Redding, brilliantly portrayed by Patrick Robinson, who is known as the man who can ‘get things’ inside the prison – in this case a tiny rock hammer. The friendship and interplay between Red and Defresne is key to the progression of the story which, without Hollywood tricks, could have been almost impossible to portray.

But it was an incredible cast that made this production an exceptional show. Aside from Ian Kelsey and Patrick Robinson, there are many other brilliant performances, including co-writer Owen O'Neill as the corrupt warden Stammas, George Evans as naive young car thief Tommy Williams, Leigh Jones as fellow inmate Rooster and, deserving a particular mention, Joe Reisig, as the intimidating warden Hadley.

Bringing The Shawshank Redemption to the stage was always going to be a gamble, but in this case it has paid off. From using tunes from the era to punctuate the scenes as well to dealing with the often violent sex scenes with sensitivity and discretion, there are many ways in which this production really works well.

True, there are some glaring omissions from the film version but it doesn’t detract from the story at all. In fact, you are probably at an advantage if you have never seen it. Either way, this is a ‘must see’ for all Stephen King fans – whatever the genre.

The Shawshank Redemption continues at the Theatre royal Bath until Saturday, September 26.